Defining a Virtual Namespace Made Up of Multiple Sources

The virtual directory consolidates data from multiple directories, databases, and other data sources into a logical view that you can customize for each application's specifications. These virtual namespaces are created when source data is transformed into the proper format, joined from several sources, and restructured according to the needs of your client applications. Different applications can therefore have different virtual views of exactly the same data. Because the virtual namespace is created without changes to the underlying data, implementation is simplified.

For example, an enterprise has deployed a directory server with information about its employees. A separate directory server contains additional employee information to support Access Manager. The enterprise sets up Directory Proxy Server to provide the Access Manager environment a single view of the user data in both directories. The enterprise also uses Directory Proxy Server to distribute updates made to the user entries to the appropriate repository. For example, when a bind is made, updates made by Access Manager to user entries are limited to the Access Manager directory.

For information about creating multiple virtual data views, see Construction of Virtual Data Views in Sun Directory Server Enterprise Edition 7.0 Reference.

The following sections describe the various data views supported by the virtual directory.

Access to JDBC Compliant Data Repositories

The virtual directory provides a JDBC data view that enables you to make relational databases accessible to LDAP client applications. For example, JDBC data views enable you to map LDAP attributes to columns in an RDBMS table. For information about accessing data repositories that are compliant with the JDBC technology, see JDBC Data Views in Sun Directory Server Enterprise Edition 7.0 Reference

Access to Flat LDIF File Resources

The virtual directory provides an LDIF data view that enables LDAP client access to flat LDIF files. For information about accessing LDIF files, see LDIF Data Views in Sun Directory Server Enterprise Edition 7.0 Reference.

Access to LDAP Resources

Directory Proxy Server can access any LDAP v3 compliant LDAP directory server.